The Story of the Little Beggar
The Fight for Courage

Aryan, Maya, and Dian stepped up even faster, trying to leave that group of suspicious-looking young people behind. They feel the tension that engulfs the situation, but they are also aware that they must remain calm and alert. Life on the streets has taught them not to panic easily in precarious situations.

The group of young people were getting closer to them. There were five people in the group, all looking older than Aryan, Maya, and Dian. One of them, a large-bodied young man with a sharp gaze, stepped forward.

"Go from here, you three!" said the big-bodied young man in a harsh tone. "We want this road for ourselves."

Maya shook her head. "We're not looking for trouble. We're just trying to survive."

The big-bodied young man laughed disdainfully. "You think you can stay here without paying?"

Aryan tried to explain, "We're just looking for shelter and food. We're not looking for trouble."

But the young man was not moved by their explanation. He approached them with a clearer threat in his eyes. "Go now or you'll regret it."

The look on Maya's face was filled with courage as she stared at the big-bodied young man. "We're not just gonna leave."

The big-bodied young man raised his fist, ready to threaten them. However, before he could go any further, something unexpected happened.

Rizal, the young man they had met and helped, appeared from a street corner. He holds a large piece of wood and stands among the group of youngsters and Aryan, Maya, and Dian. "You think you can disturb these kids without confronting me?"

The look on the face of the big-bodied young man changed, and he looked hesitant. "Who are you?"

"My name is Rizal," Rizal replied steadily. "I've seen what these kids do to help others in need, and I won't let you bother them."

The big-bodied young man looked around, realizing that they were in a difficult position. His group was hesitant, and some of them even seemed uncomfortable with the situation.

Aryan, Maya, and Dian see Rizal's courage and feel grateful for this unexpected help. They never thought that Rizal would come to help them, but it was a very meaningful action.

The big-bodied young man finally relented, and his group left in accepting defeat. After they left, Rizal turned to Aryan, Maya, and Dian with a gentle smile. "You guys okay?"

Aryan nodded sincerely. "Thank you, Rizal. We don't know what will happen if you don't come."

Rizal smiled and shook his head. "You've done a lot of good things for others, and you deserve help when you need it."

Maya added, "We should always help each other on these streets. We're all in the same fight."

They talk to Rizal in a moment, share stories about their experiences and listen to Rizal's stories about life on the streets. This encounter brings them closer to each other, feeling that they have a reliable companion in the middle of this harsh city.

When night falls, they together seek a safe shelter. They felt that the fight for courage had strengthened their bond as an unofficial family supporting each other on this challenging street. Although they know that life on the streets will always be a struggle, they also know that they are not alone. They had each other, and it was an extremely precious treasure in this harsh world.

The night continues, and Aryan, Maya, Dian, and Rizal have found shelter in an old abandoned warehouse. They sat in small circles around the campfire that they lit from the pieces of wood they collected.

Rizal looked at the three beggars with admiration. "You guys are really great, these three young brothers. A lot of people wouldn't survive a situation like this."

Aryan smiled and replied, "We learned to survive this life, Mr. Rizal. We also learned to help each other and together we can face anything."

Maya agreed. "Friendship and empathy are very important things for us."

Rizal's interested. "Can I hear that beautiful melody?"

Aryan took the old flute out of his shirt pocket and started blowing it. Beautiful melodies flow through the night air, creating a serene atmosphere and full of beauty in the midst of this harsh life. Rizal, Maya, and Dian contemplated with their eyes closed, dissolving in that mesmerizing melody.

As Aryan finished playing the flute, they opened their eyes with a smile on their faces. Rizal gave a soft pat on Aryan's shoulder. "You guys have incredible talent, Aryan. Music is a wonderful way to express feelings."

Aryan was flattered. "Thank you, Mr. Rizal. Music is the only way we can escape a moment of harsh reality."

Rizal's interested. "You have dreams for the future, don't you? What do you want out of this life?"

Maya replied steadily, "We want to have a warm place to stay and enough to eat every day. We also want to continue our education, even though it's hard on these streets."

Dian excitedly added, "I want to learn more about music, and maybe one day be a musician like Kak Aryan."

Rizal smiled, moved by their determination. "That's a beautiful dream, kids. And I'm sure you can achieve it if you keep working hard and supporting each other."

They continue their conversation about their dreams and hopes, creating an increasingly strong bond between them. They feel that they have each other to support each other in their struggle to achieve the dream.

However, amidst their warm conversation, they suddenly heard the sound of footsteps approaching from outside the warehouse. They all felt tense and prepared themselves for a possible confrontation with a stranger who might come to expel them from the place.

In the darkness of the warehouse that was only illuminated by the dim light of the campfire, someone appeared. It was a young woman with long flowing hair and eyes that glittered in the dark. The woman smiled gently looking at them.

"No need to worry" the woman said in a warm voice. "I've come to help."

The young lady approached them with cautious steps, like not wanting to scare them. Her long, glittering hair looked like a golden river flow in the dark night. She wears clothes that look pretty good, which contrasts with the seedy outfits worn by Aryan, Maya, Dian, and Rizal.

"Who are you?" maya asked carefully, but there was curiosity in her eyes.

The young lady smiled gently. "My name is Nadia. I'm not from here. I saw you guys from afar and I know you're in trouble."

Aryan, always wary of strangers, asked, "What makes you believe we can be trusted?"

Nadia nodded in understanding. "I understand your suspicions, but I didn't come here to harm you. I brought some food and some supplies that might help you."

With mixed expressions, they accepted the help Nadia offered. Food and other items were shared between them, and they felt moved by this unexpected kindness.

"Thank you, Nadia," Dian said in a hoarse voice. "You are our guardian angel."

Nadia smiled, but then she showed an expression of her concern. "I can see that you have dreams and hopes for the future. It's a tough fight, and I know it. But I want to help you achieve those dreams."

Rizal looked at Nadia with kindness. "You are very generous. What do you want from us in return?"

Nadia replied firmly, "I just want you to promise to help others when you have the chance. You've helped a lot of people here, and I'm sure there will be more people who need your help in the future."

Aryan, Maya, Dian, and Rizal sincerely promise to comply with Nadia's request. They knew very well how valuable the help they had received from this young lady was.